We are Mercy Corps – a global organization fighting the world’s toughest problems. We put bold ideas into action to transform lives and create lasting change. We believe that communities around the globe can develop entrepreneurial solutions to any problem, no matter how intractable, when connected with the right resources.
At Mercy Corps Northwest we embody this mission by working together to build just, productive and resilient communities across the Pacific Northwest. Our mission is to invest in communities, uncover breakthrough solutions, and fight for equitable opportunities across the Pacific Northwest. We know that when we invest in potential – individuals and families are given the ability to thrive, and not just survive.
How we got here
Mercy Corps Northwest programming began in 1998 with a goal to reduce unemployment, grow personal incomes and assets, and increase economic growth. Today, we house a number of programs to support this mission with operations in Portland, Seattle, Southwest Washington and Walla Walla.
Our programs
- Empower 2,100 small business owners each year with funding, education and mentorship.
- Support women-owned businesses at the Oregon Women’s Business Center, sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
- Reduce the rate that incarcerated women commit repeat offenses by 50% with prison reentry support.
- Improve services at more than 30 local nonprofits that work to alleviate poverty by placing AmeriCorps VISTA members.
- Support underserved communities and small business owners with disaster preparedness knowledge.
Learn more about our programs >>
Who we serve
Mercy Corps Northwest is committed to assisting low-income citizens of Oregon and Washington to create more productive, secure and satisfying lives for themselves, their families and their communities. We support them in increasing their economic self-sufficiency and community integration by providing resources and support in their efforts to improve their lives.
Client demographics
- Our clients across programs are 70% women and 30% men. In our small business programs, 63% of clients identify as women
- 80% of our clients represent underserved communities within our region including people of color, immigrants or migrants, women or gender non-binary, and non-English speakers
- 1 in 3 of our clients identify as People of Color including Black, Indigenous, Hispanic and Latinx, Asian, and other historically marginalized groups
- The majority of MCNW clients live at, or slightly above, the federal poverty line and below 80% of Median Family Income (MFI). Rarely do our clients’ incomes exceed 200% of the prevailing U.S. government poverty rate.